Nanoengineering the surface of corneal implants: towards functional anti-microbial and biofilm materials

We report the development and use of a light-mediatedin situgrafting technology for the surface modification of biosynthetic corneal implants with peptide-capped nanoparticles (15-65 nm). The resulting materials have antimicrobial properties in bacterial suspension and also reduced the extent of biofilm formation. Ourin situgrafting technology offers a rapid route for the introduction of antimicrobial properties to premoulded corneal implants, and potentially other soft implant targets.